Newcastle coach Wayne Bennett has added Kevin Walters to his coaching staff on a part-time basis for the 2014 NRL season.
Bennett and Walters combined for four premierships in the former Kangaroos’ playing days at Brisbane and the ex-Broncos playmaker will serve as a halves coach for the Knights next season.
Walters, who won premierships with the Broncos in 1992, 1993, 1998 and 2000, has most recently served as assistant coach under Craig Bellamy in Melbourne for the past three seasons and was linked to the head coaching roles at both North Queensland and Parramatta.
But he will now join the Knights for one to two days a week beginning on Thursday.
“We are really pleased with the addition of Kevin to our coaching team,” CEO Matt Gidley said.
“He has spent three years at the Melbourne Storm and worked with arguably three of the best players in our game in Billy Slater, Cooper Cronk and Cameron Smith.
“Kevin will be able to share his experience and insight with our halves who are ready to go to that next level.”
Halves Jarrod Mullen and Tyrone Roberts helped spearhead the Knights’ surprise finals charge last season and Walters’ vast experience could be key in continuing their development.
The 46-year-old played 20 games for Australia and 11 for Queensland and is seen by some as a natural successor to Queensland coach Mal Meninga.